Saturday, July 21, 2012

Finally the Flaperon Torque Tubes are Drilled

With Anne help, we went for a delicate operation that I had postponed until the wing retrofit with the new electric plugs. On Friday we started installing the wings with the intent to drill the flaperon torque tubes. We faced a little problem, though. Right wing no problem, the connectors self aligned and the wing went right in. Left wing, no way to get it in completely, there was still 1/4 inch left to go and no way to go further. Looking at the connectors, although the guiding pins were engaged, it looked like the casings were colliding. After more checks, it appeared that the wing connector was upside down! Easy fix, unscrew and rotate connector 180 deg... Tried to put the blame on VANS... but page 31A-05 figure 3 warns: Caution: Orient connectors as shown.
My lame excuse: I was working with the wing upside down when installing the plug...

Here is the picture of the plug once fixed:
We had a storm coming and had just enough time to bring the wings and fuselage back into the workshop and stop for the day.
Today was the day Anne had scheduled to leave, this did not leave room for error... and everything went well, indeed as these pictures show:

 Preparing to install the wings, you can see the left wing sitting on its "super rack", my solution for one man wing fitting/removal.

 The two wings are on as the two "super racks" sit empty

 Time to board!

Kneeling in the baggage compartment, this is killing me!


Drilling in process, viewed through the gas tank filling hole

 One tube drilled and clecoed, one to go!


All done!

 Anne's turn now!


 Disassembling the just drilled torque tubes with bolts and screws in tight quarters. I'm glad to have small hands around to help!

Anne is waiving good by after a job well done!

2 comments:

  1. Vieille, Very interested in your "super rack" one man fitting system. I have seen with the pictures how it works. Is there any problems with the main spar when removing the wing? I have a glider with a one man system so familiar with the procedure. Thanks, tomh@pim4u.com

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  2. Vielle, I found your YouTube on the Super Rack. The videos answered my questions. Thanks, Tom

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